A 45-year-old man has been arrested and charged in Madang for the persistent sexual abuse of a nine-year-old girl under his care. Madang Provincial Police Commander Acting Superintendent Robert Baim confirmed that the suspect had been abusing the child over an extended period of time. The victim was brought to Madang in March 2024 by her cousin sister who claimed they wanted to care for her as they had no children of their own. The family resided on Bemion Street in Madang District. “From the time the victim arrived in Madang, the suspect began mistreating her, initially using sexual gestures and touching her inappropriately,” Acting Superintendent Baim said. The abuse escalated in December 2024 when the suspect reportedly locked the child in a room and assaulted her over seven consecutive days while her cousin sister was at work. The girl was threatened with violence, allegedly warning her he would kill her with a machete if she reported the abuse. “The victim’s pale appearance and restricted movements raised suspicions among neighbors,” Baim said. “On January 10, 2025, a concerned female neighbor approached the victim, and the child revealed the abuse. The neighbor brought her to the police, where the complaint was officially lodged.” The 45-year-old suspect was apprehended by police and has been charged with Persistent Sexual Abuse of a Child and Abuse of Trust under the Criminal Code (Sexual Offenses and Crimes Against Children) Act 2002. Baim commended the neighbor for reporting the matter and urged the public to remain vigilant. “We encourage anyone aware of child abuse or similar offenses to report them immediately to the authorities,” he said. Police investigations are ongoing.